Indigenous Values Initiative

Indigenous and church leaders hold meeting on ‘doctrine of discovery’ and its enduring harmful impact ‘I have thought of the ‘doctrine of discovery’ as gum underneath my shoes—wherever I go, it is there.’

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S06E11: What Changes When Earth Is Your Mother
S06E12: How the Revolutionary War Reshaped Haudenosaunee Governance
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For Immediate Release:
Onerahtohkó:wa/May 22, 2026

MCA OPPOSES PROPOSED DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT AT FORMER ALCOA EAST SITE
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is expressing strong opposition and serious concern regarding the proposed development of a large-scale data center at the former Alcoa East industrial site in Massena, NY.

While MCA supports the responsible redevelopment of former industrial lands, Council does not believe the current proposal meets those expectations or adequately addresses the potential long-term impacts on Akwesasne lands, waters, environment, and community members.

MCA has identified several significant concerns related to the proposed project, including:
• The site’s close proximity to Akwesasne, raising concerns about potential impacts on health, safety, and well-being of nearby community members
• The substantial energy and water demands required to operate the data center
• Potential strain on local power systems and resources
• Noise, emissions, and other environmental impacts associated with continuous industrial operations
• Limited information provided regarding the full scope and long-term impact of the project

In addition to these concerns, MCA also notes that there has not been adequate transparency and meaningful consultation throughout the process to date. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne maintains that any development within or near our territory must respect the rights, responsibilities, and jurisdiction of the Mohawks of Akwesasne, including the protection of our environment and future generations.

MCA recognizes the importance of economic development and regional investment; however, it must not come at the expense of environmental integrity, community well-being, or the health and safety of Mohawk people. Projects of this scale require a transparent process, thorough environmental review, and meaningful consultation with impacted Indigenous communities before any decisions move forward.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne remains committed to advocating for responsible and sustainable development that protects our lands, waters, people, and the well-being of future generations.

Harrison Ford used his Arizona State University commencement speech to call for cultural change, social justice, and deeper respect for Indigenous peoples.

The actor and conservationist, known globally for Indiana Jones and Star Wars, addressed ASU’s Class of 2026 on Monday, speaking to more than 14,000 undergraduate students while receiving an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters.

“We need to respect and elevate the Indigenous peoples that are being marginalized,” Ford said during the speech.

Ford, who has served on Conservation International’s Board of Directors since 1991, connected the message to his decades of conservation work and urged graduates to find purpose, leadership, and responsibility in the world they are stepping into.

He continued by saying Indigenous communities have long understood that trees, mountains, water, and soil “are not commodities,” but relatives to be cherished for future generations.

After the speech, Gila River Indian Community Governor and ASU alum Stephen Roe Lewis personally thanked Ford for his advocacy.

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Cover: Deanna Dent / Arizona State University
Source: Arizona State University,

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